A pair of rare common cranes, which have previously nested at a bog in Co Offaly, have returned for a seventh consecutive year.
The pair, which have successfully reared five chicks in the last three years, have been seen back at their favoured nesting site by an ecologist working for Bord na Móna (BnM).
Following careful monitoring it has now been established that the pair are once again incubating eggs.
The location of the nest is confidential in order to protect and conserve the birds.
However, it is confirmed that the site is situated on a cutaway bog, formerly used to harvest peat for energy production.
“These birds are now benefitting further from habitat improvements associated with BnM’s Peatland Climate Action Scheme (PCAS)” said BnM ecologist Chris Cullen who has been monitoring the cranes since 2022.
“Over the last two breeding periods, the nesting pair and their young have been seen utilising recently rehabilitated cutaway peatlands for feeding and shelter,” he said.
“In addition, over the last number of years, several summering, but non-breeding individuals, have also been observed on other rehabilitated cutaway bogs in the Midlands,” said Mr Cullen.
“It appears a nascent breeding population is possibly becoming established, with clear links to rehabilitated peatlands in terms of usage,” he added.
The Peatland Climate Action Scheme is a large-scale peatlands restoration project administered by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and regulated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Over 20,000 hectares has been rehabilitated under this scheme.
It is hoped that the ongoing development of wetland habitats following rehabilitation under the present scheme will continue to support the expansion of this newly returned species in Ireland.
The crane is deeply connected to the culture and history of Ireland.
They have been central to folklore tales such as Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the druids, St Colmcille and the Book of Kells.
